In case you missed it, that very morning I preached about how kids can find wonder and awe in the most ordinary things. While as adults, we often miss these everyday opportunities that God puts right in front of us. I shared a story about how my brother and I played with a refrigerator box for weeks. But as an adult, my response to boxes is not excitement but dread on how to fit a box in the recycling bin.
Then that very afternoon my kids found a box. Not only did they play with the box but they wanted to take it to the front yard so they could hide in it while I sprayed it and them with our water hose. My inner adult was screaming “NOOOO! The box will fall into a thousand pieces and be all over your yard! DO. NOT. SPRAY THAT BOX WITH WATER!” But my inner child was ready for the adventure. And I heard my voice from the sermon say, “Be more childlike.”
So I unreeled the hose. Turned the water on. And I sprayed my kids until they were soaking wet and I sprayed the box until it disintegrated. (This is a picture I snapped while sitting in my chair spraying the box while my kids hid in it). It was a mess to clean up. But it was totally worth it.
My kids laughed and giggled. They ran around trying to dodge the water. They strategized and tried to figure out the best way to position the box to withstand the water. They loved it and I loved it. It was a peak dad moment because I got to sit in a chair and spray my kids with water. I laughed and shook my head at how goofy they are. And I got to be a little goofy too. It was fun. And I would have missed it if I would have listened to my inner adult.
If you haven’t yet, take a chance this week to be more childlike. Take a walk and notice the flowers. Watch the sunset. Tell someone you have known for a long time you are grateful for them. Find awe and wonder in the world around you.
No Comments